Jerry Adkins

Jerry Reginald Adkins, age 83, of Terrell County, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, May 14, at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee Street, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Funeral services are planned for 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 14, in the committal pavilion at Andersonville National Historic Site, with Rev. Wendy Peacock officiating.  Interment will follow in Andersonville National Cemetery.

Born October 5, 1942 in Hamlin, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Austin Adkins and the late Genevieve Lawson Adkins.

Mr. Adkins was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served from 1963 through 1966, and was retired from Bell Helicopter Textron, where he built helicopters. He raised and showed Alaskan Malamute dogs, including twelve Best of Breed Champions, being ranked #2 in the nation.

During his years in Texas, he was a ranch cowman, raising cattle and hay. Jerry was an Indian Artifacts enthusiast, an antique automobile admirer, and an outstanding gardener. He was a Christian who honored his father and mother, and who loved his God and his country.

Jerry was married to the love of his life, Janet Vallelunga Adkins, for 59 years. He was her soulmate - trustworthy, loyal, disciplined, dutiful and devoted. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings: Bobbie Adkins, Debbie Gore, and Janice Burst.

Survivors include his loving wife, Janet Vallelunga Adkins; siblings: Aretta Adkins, Roberta Heisley, Marsha Webb, Diane Smit, Roger Adkins, and Danny Adkins; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Jerry Reginald Adkins.